O-Train Confederation Line, Ottawa, Canada

Alstom will provide 34 Citadis Spirit light rail vehicles (LRVs) with 4 cars each for the project, which marks the entry of Alstom LRVs into the North American market. Citadis Spirit can operate in extreme cold weather and move at speeds of up to 100 km/h. Alstom has also won a 30-year maintenance contract for this project.

As part of its strategic supplier relationship with Alstom, BFG provided front ends, driver cabs, and interior panels for these trains. 89 different types of panels went into each train: 5 for the front ends, 3 for roof arches, 7 for skirts, 13 for the driver desks, and 61 for the interiors.

The front end posed a significant challenge, being a highly complex part with a metal structure embedded into the FRP. This was addressed by constructing a precise jig to place the FRP onto the metal structure. The part also underwent rigorous water tightness testing before delivery.

The front ends, DD, boogie boxes, and end walls were produced using an open contact moulding process. The under-window panels, and door and window pillars used a resin transfer moulding (RTM) process. All parts comply with NF F 16-101 and Grid 3 fire safety standards.